17th NRCC Beats the Odds in Atlantic City !
The 17th Annual Northeast Regional Carwash Convention (NRCC), October 16-18 at The Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, NJ, beat the odds and attracted more than 1600 attendees, according to Julie Stanton, show coordinator. “With the horrible weather we’ve had on the East Coast over the last year, and the fact that several other trade shows have had poor turnouts this fall, we were concerned,” said Stanton. “But our concerns, thankfully, were unfounded. This show was really amazing from our packed show floor to the exceptional seminars and events we offered. The host association, the New England Carwash Association, and our committee did an exceptional job. I couldn’t be happier.”
And neither could first-time attendee Lindy Rosato from New Jersey. “The education I got at this show was priceless,” said Rosato. “I marveled at how people were willing to help. All the experts at the New Investor Seminar were willing to give their time and expertise in a day and age where getting information from successful people like that is at a minimum. The show opened my eyes to so many things.”
The three-day event was kicked off with an intensive New Investor Seminar for first-time carwashers and those thinking of diversifying. The event was capped off with a reception in The Mixx. “The New Investor Seminar was a tremendous success,” said NECA President Mike Gardner. “It just keeps getting better and better each year.”
A Welcoming Reception at Suilan, Susanna Foo’s restaurant, followed for all to enjoy. The scrumptious food was sure to please. The setting lent itself to a great opportunity to catch up with fellow operators and suppliers.
Educational seminars on day two included lively early bird panel discussions on everything from marketing to maintenance while a panel of seasoned distributors shared their industry tricks of the trade. Keynoter Bob Losyk, President and CEO of Innovative Training Solutions, spoke on Workforce 2010 and its reshaping. His program revealed how the workforce is changing, will continue to change, and the effects it will have on today’s labor pool. “The keynote brought timely and informative information on the workforce that everyone can take home,” said Gardner.
International Carwash Association President, and New England carwash operator, Bob Katseff updated the group on the association’s future initiatives including the formation of liked-sized carwash operator groups across the country.
NECA operator Ron Bousquet was the recipient of the NRCC’s Most Distinguished Person award. The metro-Boston operator is a former NECA president and current ICA board member. His service to the aforementioned associations and the NRCC has been invaluable. It is the second time he has won this award. Belanger Inc. was the recipient of the association’s Best Exhibitor Display.
Educational programming concluded on day two with another program by Losyk on How to Recruit and Hire the Right People.
Day three brought more exceptional educational programming including another early bird discussion and a seminar by Sonny’s Enterprises’ Anthony Analetto, 20 Ideas in 20 Minutes. His program touched on equipment design and layout. “With his more than 25 years in the industry Anthony brought meaningful, real-world value to a great seminar,” said Garnder. “It was a real show stopper.”
Exhibits hours ran from 2:30-7:00pm on October 17 and from 10:30am-2:30pm on October 18.
Key show sponsors included the following:
Official Show Sponsor, Turtle Wax
Official Media Sponsor, Professional Carwashing & Detailing
Welcoming Reception, ICS
Show Bags, E-Squared
Lanyards, ZEP Mfg.
Keynote/ICA Address/Awards Presentation, Ecolab Vehicle Care
Luncheon, Creative Agency Group
Refreshment Bar, D & S Carwash Systems
Event Tickets, National Ticket
New Investor Seminar, Blendco
Snack Station, Tommy Car Wash, Armor All
Pens, Unitec Electronics
Mints, Kleen-Rite Corp.
Bottled Water, Ardex
Internet Kiosk, Autovac, Citadelnetworks
Breakfast Sponsor, Micrologic Associates, Ryko Mfg.
Seminar Sponsors, Mang, Sonny’s, Washworld Inc., Sobrite
New Investor Reception Sponsors Include:
Previte
Mang
Sobrite
Simoniz USA
Sonny’s
Ecolab
PC & D
Blendco
X-Stream Touchless
Micrologic
PDQ
Ryko
Huron Valley Sales
NS Wash Systems
Absolute Auctions
Autowash Maintenance Corp.
Written by: Julie Stanton
Date: October 23, 2006
The 2007 NRCC is slated for October 15-17.
For more information contact them at 800-868-8590 or visit www.nrccshow.com
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